Athlete of the Week: Mary Lemay ’17

Photo courtesy of Alex Berman Photography

Wellesley Lacrosse has started its season very strongly with a 3-1 record, losing only to Bates. Leading the team in scoring is attack Mary Lemay ’17, who has had 10 goals and three assists so far this season. Lemay hails from Longmeadow, MA that has a history of producing strong lacrosse players. Lemay spoke with Wellesley News over lunch and discussed how she became involved in lacrosse and her goals for the rest of the season.

Laura Brindley ’16 (L.B.): Who or what inspired you to play lacrosse?

Mary Lemay ’17 (M.L.): I come from a very lacrosse-oriented town, so the high school team and the female players were a big inspiration growing up. I would say my dad was who encouraged me to get involved with lacrosse.

L.B.: Why did you decide to play at Wellesley?

M.L.: I knew I wanted to play lacrosse in college since I was young. The question is more about why I decided to play sports at Wellesley. I visited the school and fell in love with the environment and the academics. I stayed with the team, so they were my first introduction to Wellesley, and I loved their team chemistry and atmosphere.

L.B.: Did you play any other sports growing up?

M.L.: I played field hockey for as long as I’ve played lacrosse. I actually played field hockey for two years at Wellesley.

L.B.: What is the best part about playing attack?

M.L.: Attack is a position where you get to be really creative, which is why I like it. I think that a lot of it is reactionary. Depending on who is defending you or what defense you are up against, it can alter your strategy for the game, which I find very exciting.

L.B.: Besides at Wellesley, where is your favorite

place to play a lacrosse game?

M.L.: In high school, we played in the state finals at

a stadium in Worcester, MA. I forget the name of the

stadium though.

L.B.: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

M.L.: Yes! I like to get a pre-game back crack.

L.B.: What are some of your personal and team goals for the rest of this season?

M.L.: I think that our team goal is to get better every day. If we do that, we will be really successful this season. I would say that my personal goal is to also get better every day to help the team get better.

L.B.: What is the hardest part about being a student-athlete?

M.L.: The time commitment. For example, away games during the week like for the game last Wednesday, we had to leave at 1:30 and we got back at 9:30. That is mentally and physically exhausting and takes a lot of time out of your day.

L.B.: Is your training any different this season than it was last season? If so, how?

M.L.: I was abroad in the fall [in Dublin, Ireland], so I came back and we have a new coach and seven new first years. It’s a slightly different team dynamic and a new system. I don’t think I have personally changed very much, but our team values have changed.

L.B.: Who is your favorite professional athlete?

M.L.: My favorite professional athlete is Vince Wilfork. He plays for Houston now, but he was my favorite when he played for the Patriots. Wellesley Lacrosse will face Regis College at home on Wednesday, March 16 at 4 p.m.